Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River

By Hikers of IcelandBest of

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IF THIS ONE SHOWS UNAVAILABLE, CHECK OUR OTHER DAY TOURS as we run one tour per day. Hike Iceland for a night!

Duration
4 hours
Difficulty
Easy
Season
August to November
Minimum age
8 years
Getting there
Pickup available
Group size
Up to 8
Book by
24 hours before
Cancellation
Free up to 24 h before

from

13.808 ISK

per up to 8 participants (over 16 years old)

Check dates & book

Next departures

  • Thu 1 Oct · 20:00
  • Fri 2 Oct · 20:00
  • Sat 3 Oct · 20:00
  • Sun 4 Oct · 20:00

Runs: August to November

  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
  • Secure payment, confirmation from the operator
  • No account needed

The Grapevine's take

Reykjadalur

In the Reykjavík-adjacent town of Hveragerði you’ll find this famous route. It’s a gentle hike over a stunning mountain trail with a dreamy soak waiting for you at the end in the geothermal river that gushes down the Reykjadalur valley. “Go first thing, or late in the evening when it’s quiet,” advised the panel.

On The Reykjavík Grapevine's Best of list. See the whole list.

Prices

Up to 8 Participants (Over 16 years old)16 - 99 years98 ISK
Participants (over 8 years old)8 - 15 years60 ISK

Prices for the next departure, checked Wed 30 Sept. They can change with the date; the booking shows the exact price.

About this tour

IF THIS ONE SHOWS UNAVAILABLE, CHECK OUR OTHER DAY TOURS as we run one tour per day.

Hike Iceland for a night!

  • 40 MINUTES DRIVE from Reykjavik city center
  • LENGTH: 6 km – 3,7 miles
  • ELEVATION: 330 m – 1090 ft
  • DIFFICULTY: easy
  • DURATION: 4hrs (plus driving time)
  • STARTING TIME: 20 (plus pick-up time)
  • ENDING TIME: 12 am (plus drop-off time)
  • GROUP: up to 15 participants
  • AGE LIMIT: 8+

Experience the Magic of a Night Hike to Reykjadalur Hot Springs

Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure into the heart of Reykjadalur Valley, where geothermal wonders and night sky spectacles converge. This enchanting journey begins in the charming town of Hveragerði, where you’ll be equipped with a headlamp and guided along a scenic trail into the darkness. The hike lasts about one hour, gradually leading you through breathtaking terrain as daylight fades. Shadows deepen, the air cools, and the valley takes on a quiet, almost mystical character. Your destination: a naturally heated river hidden within the hills, where warm waters await beneath a starlit sky.

A Valley of Steam, Silence and Stars

Reykjadalur—literally “Steam Valley”—is alive with geothermal energy. Bubbling hot springs, steaming vents, and earthy aromas line your path, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that feels otherworldly in the stillness of night. As you walk through this surreal landscape, you’ll witness nature’s quiet power, surrounded by native plants and nocturnal wildlife in this unique ecosystem.

Soak Beneath the Northern Lights

During the Northern Lights season, this remote valley becomes a natural theater for one of Earth’s most dazzling phenomena. Far from city lights, the sky above Reykjadalur offers perfect conditions for aurora viewing. Picture yourself soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the hot river, steam curling into the air, while waves of green, pink, and violet light dance overhead. It’s a moment of pure magic—a sensory experience that blends warmth, silence, and awe in perfect harmony.

Stargazing in Iceland's Quiet Wilderness

Even when the auroras aren’t performing, the night sky here offers a show of its own. On a clear evening, constellations shine brilliantly above, undimmed by urban glow. The stars seem closer, more vivid, casting a gentle light over the valley. Whether you're floating in the river or sitting along its banks, the feeling is one of peace and timeless wonder.

Join Us for a Night You’ll Never Forget!

Whether you're chasing the Northern Lights or simply seeking a tranquil, soul-stirring escape, this night hike to Reykjadalur is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in Iceland’s geothermal magic under a vast and silent sky. Book your place now and prepare for an unforgettable evening of wonder, warmth, and celestial beauty.

REMEMBER TO TAKE WITH YOU:

  1. Hiking shoes
  2. Windproof jacket and pants
  3. 0,5 L of water
  4. Packed dinner
  5. Cap and gloves
  6. Swimsuit
  7. Towel
  8. Sandals


What's included

Headlamp

Bath in the hot spring

Licenced and certified local guides

International Mountain Leader

Parking (if pick-up and drop-off service is requested)

What to bring

  1. Hiking shoes
  2. Waterproof jacket and pants
  3. Packed dinner
  4. 1 L of water
  5. Cap and (waterproof) gloves
  6. Swimsuit
  7. Towel
  8. Sandals

Good to know

Weather can change rapidly, be prepared for all conditions

Meet at the designated starting point 15 minutes before departure

Group sizes are kept small for a personalized experience

Pickup and meeting point

Pickup is available: choose a pickup point when you book, or meet the operator here.

Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal RiverReykjadalur Café, Hveragerdi

Map of Reykjadalur Hot Spring Thermal RiverOpen in Google Maps

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

For all bookings of day tours, a minimum of 24 hours' notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 24 hours notice, no refund is given.

For all bookings of multi-day and custom private tours, a minimum of 72 hours' notice prior to your scheduled departure is required in order to receive a full refund. If a cancellation is made with less than 72 hours' notice, no refund is given*

*Note that in the event the client requests a refund for any reason, Tour Desk reserves the right to charge a 3% administration fee to cover costs incurred.

Cancellation and refund requests need to be sent in writing to info@tourdesk.io

Questions

How long is Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River?
About 4 hours, not counting pickup.
How much does Northern Lights Hike to Reykjadalur Hot River cost?
From 13.808 ISK. Up to 8 Participants (Over 16 years old) (16 - 99 years): 98 ISK. Participants (over 8 years old) (8 - 15 years): 60 ISK. Prices are per person unless the category says otherwise, and can change with the date.
Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup is available: you choose a pickup point when you book, or meet the operator at the start.
What is the minimum age?
8 years.
When does it run?
August to November, going by the departures listed for the next twelve months.
Can I cancel?
Yes. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
How hard is it?
The operator rates it easy.

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